Car Valet

A car valet, also known as valeter, cleans the inside and outside of cars. It takes a few hours to give a car a full valet clean.

The Work

You could be:

• checking the car with the customer to agree what should be done


• using water jets to clean the outside of the car


• steam cleaning the car engine, wheel arches and the vehicle frame


• cleaning the windows


• vacuuming and shampooing the upholstery


• waxing and polishing the car surfaces


• collecting and returning cars


• travelling to customers in order to clean cars on their premises.

Conditions

• You may have to work in the evenings, weekends or both to get work done on time.


• You will probably be working on a forecourt and may have to work outdoors.


• You may have to wear a company uniform.

Getting In

• A good general education is useful.


• You usually need a full driving licence.


• Some employers ask for driving experience.


• You must be fit as the work is heavy.


• You need good eyesight for cleaning and polishing to a high standard.


• You have to be able to work with chemicals and not be allergic to them.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• interested in cars


• able to follow instructions closely


• careful and attentive to detail


• agile and energetic


• friendly and polite with customers


• honest and reliable


• aware of health and safety


• able to work on your own or as part of a team.

Training

• Training is normally on-the-job.


• At first you will work with an experienced car valet until you are able to work on your own.


• The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS) run a scheme leading to the Car Valeting Certificate (CVC). This covers stain removal, pressure washing, interior and exterior cleaning, exterior polishing and waxing, upholstery cleaning, hot water extraction, paint renovation, and engine cleaning.


• There are Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) at Level 2 in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (includes an option in valeting vehicles).

Getting On

After gaining experience, you could move on, for example to self-employment.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organization you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.